E768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 10, 2006 HONORING LAURIE RICHARDSON New York City. Monk began piano lessons as Kenneth Tenore, a coastal ecologist from a young child and by the age of 13 he had Hollywood, Maryland, died of acute pancrea- HON. JIM GIBBONS won the weekly amateur contest at the Apollo titis Sunday at University of Maryland Medical OF NEVADA Theater so many times that he was barred Center. He was 63. from entering. At the age of 19, Monk joined IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I had the privilege of working with Ken in his the house band at Minton’s Playhouse in Har- role as director of the University of Maryland Tuesday, May 9, 2006 lem, where along with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Center for Environmental Science’s Chesa- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Gillespie, and a handful of other players, he peake Biological Laboratory on Solomons Is- the state of Nevada, I would like to congratu- developed the style of jazz that came to be land. late Mrs. Laurie Richardson of Henderson, Ne- known as bebop. Monk’s compositions, among Ken’s work made an invaluable contribution vada for her achievement and recognition as them ‘‘’Round Midnight,’’ were the canvasses to the health and vibrancy of the Chesapeake Mother of the Year by the American Mothers over which these legendary soloists expressed Bay, and his leadership brought together ma- Inc. (AMI). While all 50 states are represented, their musical ideas. rine scientists from around the world to bolster as well as Puerto Rico, this is their 51st award In 1947, Monk made his first recordings as the health of coastal waterways. and the first one that has been awarded to a a leader for Blue Note. These albums are While at Solomons, he led collaborative re- resident of Nevada since the state’s chapter some of the earliest documents of his unique search programs involving marine scientists began in the 1940’s. compositional and improvisational style, both from the United States, the Galicia region of of which employed unusual repetition of While this award recognizes her only as a Spain and Portugal. phrases, an offbeat use of space, and joyfully mother, Mrs. Richardson is also a distin- His frequent visits to both countries have dissonant sounds. In the decades that fol- guished singer in a Grammy award-winning helped build strong scientific relationships that lowed, Monk played on recordings with Miles choir, a grandmother of nine, an advocate for endure today. Davis, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins and children with special needs, and a dynamic recorded as a leader for Prestige Records and At the time of his death, he was leading the guest speaker for special education issues. later for Riverside Records. Brilliant Corners Navigator Project, an international effort sup- Mrs. Richardson has volunteered with various and Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane were ported by the National Science Foundation school districts for over 29 years before re- two of the albums from this period that and the Luso-American Foundation, to charac- cently becoming a full-time child advocate. brought Monk international attention as a pian- terize and compare the ecology of coastal While also raising three of her own children, ist and composer. seas around the world. Mrs. Richardson has opened her home and In 1957, the Thelonious Monk Quartet, Ken’s efforts while serving the University of her heart to raise four foster children as well. which included John Coltrane, began a regular Maryland, my alma mater, reflect a man deep- Upon her reception of this distinguished gig at the Five Spot. The group’s perform- ly committed to preserving the Earth for future award, Mrs. Richardson will represent AMI for ances were hugely successful and received generations. the next calendar year as she advocates the the highest critical praise. Over the next few While Ken was passionate about advancing importance of motherhood around the country. years, Monk toured the United States and Eu- technology to make new discoveries in his dis- Mrs. Richardson has not only set a bench- rope and made some of his most influential re- cipline, he was also a man that followed a mark for mothers throughout this country, but cordings. In 1964, Thelonious Monk appeared higher moral code—even teaching a science she is also a great example for all Nevada on the cover of Time magazine, an honor that and ethics course at the University of Notre families. Mrs. Richardson’s dedication to chil- has been bestowed on only three other jazz Dame. dren is truly inspirational. As a Representative musicians. By this time, Monk was a favorite Father Ernan McMullin, a retired Notre of Nevada, I am very proud to have her as a at jazz festivals around the world, where he Dame professor said of Ken: ‘‘He was an in- part of my community. I commend and con- performed with his quartet, which included spirational teacher who had a strong feeling gratulate her for this great achievement. long-time associate Charlie Rouse. In the for the philosophical and ethical issues in f early ’70s he discontinued touring and record- science.’’ ing and appeared only on rare occasions at Among his tremendous accomplishments, A PULITZER FOR THELONIOUS Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Newport Ken founded and directed the Alliance for MONK Jazz Festival. Coastal Technologies, a partnership of re- Thelonious passed away on February 5, search institutions, environmental managers, HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. 1982. His more than 70 compositions are and industry representatives which foster sen- OF MICHIGAN classics which continue to inspire artists in all sor technologies for use in monitoring coastal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forms of music. In his lifetime he received nu- environments. merous awards and continues to be honored Tuesday, May 9, 2006 Ken leaves behind a sister, Dr. Elizabeth J. posthumously. The Smithsonian Institution has Tenore, a brother, Louis James Tenore, and a Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to immortalized his work with an archive of his nephew, Louis James Tenore Jr. recognize the legendary jazz pianist music. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service Ken’s life touched so many around the Thelonious Monk. In April, the 90th annual issued a stamp in his honor. A feature docu- world: family, friends, and colleagues. I was Pulitzer Prizes were announced and Monk mentary on Monk’s life, Straight, No Chaser, privileged to know him. was released to critical acclaim. Monk’s integ- was selected to receive a posthumous Award On behalf of the Fifth Congressional District, rity, originality, and unique approach set a ‘‘for a body of distinguished and innovative I want to extend my sympathies to his family standard that is a shining example for all who musical composition that has had a significant and join the scores of others in honoring his strive for musical excellence. and enduring impact on the evolution of jazz.’’ life’s work. Every few generations there are people who Monk is the first jazz musician and com- poser to receive the honor since 1999, when come along that change the way we look at f the world, for musical enthusiasts Monk is one a Special Citation was awarded to Duke of these individuals. Tom Carter, President of Ellington on the centennial of his birth. In addi- PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, put it tion to Ellington and Monk, only three other quite succinctly when he recently said that jazz composers have been recipients of the HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS Pulitzer: George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and Monk’s ‘‘. . . unique sound and creative spirit OF NEW JERSEY Wynton Marsalis. revolutionized the music and transcends gen- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erations.’’ Thelonious’ piano playing and com- f Tuesday, May 9, 2006 positions were truly revolutionary and they TRIBUTE TO KENNETH TENORE helped bridge the gap from bebop to modern Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I jazz. missed three votes on May 9th, 2006. Had I Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917–1982) was HON. STENY H. HOYER been present I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on OF MARYLAND one of the architects of bebop and his impact H.R. 1499 (the Heroes Earned Retirement Op- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as a composer and pianist has had a profound portunities Act); ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 5037 (the Re- influence on every genre of music. Tuesday, May 9, 2006 spect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act) and Monk was born in Rocky Mount, North Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, America lost one ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 3829 (the Jack C. Montgomery Carolina, but his parents, Barbara Batts and of its finest scientists this week. And I lost Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Thelonious Monk, soon moved the family to both a constituent and a dear friend. Designation Act).

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:31 May 11, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09MY8.052 E10MYPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with REMARKS